Non-muslims response towards Islam in Malaysia
Dublin Core
Subject
Malaysia is a multiracial society. Its population consists of followers of major religions of the world namely Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Confucius. According to the 1980 census there were 6.9 million muslims in a population of 13.07 million. The rest are made up of Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, Sikhs and followers of Taoism and other traditional Chinese religions with followers of various folk religions and others.
Almost all Malays are muslims. This means that most of the indigenous people are muslims. Most of the non-Malays or non-indigenous communities are predominantly non-muslims. Since 1957, when Malaysia achieved its independence, Islam has been the official religion of the Federation of Malaya. This does not mean that Malaysia is an Islamic state. The position of Islam as the official religion is essentially a recognition of its premier status in the evolution of the Malaysian polity, expressed itself mainly through the performance of muslim prayers at official functions, the construction of mosques bu the states, the holding of Quran-reading competitions, the organising of the haj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca) through the agency of the government, religious activities such as Maal Hijrah, birthday of Prophet Muhamad and Israk Mikraj.
Almost all Malays are muslims. This means that most of the indigenous people are muslims. Most of the non-Malays or non-indigenous communities are predominantly non-muslims. Since 1957, when Malaysia achieved its independence, Islam has been the official religion of the Federation of Malaya. This does not mean that Malaysia is an Islamic state. The position of Islam as the official religion is essentially a recognition of its premier status in the evolution of the Malaysian polity, expressed itself mainly through the performance of muslim prayers at official functions, the construction of mosques bu the states, the holding of Quran-reading competitions, the organising of the haj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca) through the agency of the government, religious activities such as Maal Hijrah, birthday of Prophet Muhamad and Israk Mikraj.
Creator
Zulkefly Bin Hj Abdullah
Source
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
University of Malaya
PL5065 1995 Zulha
University of Malaya
PL5065 1995 Zulha
Date
1995
Contributor
kelly
Format
Project Paper
Identifier
A515618045
Collection
Citation
Zulkefly Bin Hj Abdullah, “Non-muslims response towards Islam in Malaysia,” Rimbunan: Pangkalan Data Pengajian Melayu, accessed February 3, 2026, https://rimbunan.nusa.my/rimbun/items/show/13913.